Respiratory viruses spreading in children adding to GP pressures
Respiratory Syncytial Virus usually spreads in winter but this year lower immunity due to school closures means it's come earlier
Health bosses are warning that the spread of another virus that isn't COVID is adding to pressures on GPs and A&E departments.
RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Viruses are very common and are seen every year and usually cause coughs and colds in the winter.
However, this year medical experts say they're now seeing children catching them much sooner and at a slightly older age.
It's thought school closures earlier in the year prevent the spread of these viruses and the easing of coronavirus restrictions has now allowed them to spread again.
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a virus that affects the lungs and respiratory tract of small children.
It's such a common virus that most kids have had it by the age of two.
The most common symptoms include coughs, a runny nose, sneezing, headaches and mild fever.
However, for more vulnerable people such as babies under 12 months old or people who are immunocompromised, RSV can sometimes cause more severe illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
Whilst this is rare, local hospital trusts are asking parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms so they can ask for advice if they have any concerns.
You can find out more about RSV from the NHS here.
RSV could be changing
Wigan's director of public health, Professor Kate Ardern said:
"Running through the younger population, particularly our primary age kids is Respiratory Syncytial Virus."
"I think there are two reasons for that..."
"We tend to see RSV more in the winter than we do in the summer. But if you think about it, kids were less in school last season."
"So what we're seeing is the emergence of respiratory infections that we would perhaps normally see it's a different time of the year."
"It's also causing a rather more serious illness than perhaps previously."
"Normally when kids get RSV they're unwell for a few days, but it's all manageable at home."
"In this instance, we're starting to see, understandably, parents being very worried and seeking advice."
"Before the pandemic, we were seeing an increase in respiratory syncytial virus in terms of its age range."
"Normally you can see it in the 0-5-year-olds, and particularly the 2-5-year-olds, but it was extending into the older children."
"We're also seeing it in adults, which is quite unusual. So we think that virus itself has changed."
"So when you've got a virus that we know a lot about, that's changing, and you've got, obviously a new virus with COVID-19, the fact that you're getting infections from both coincidings is worrying."
"So that is something we have to watch very carefully but clearly, that does add pressure both in terms of people coming to A&E for advice and ringing 111."